What is Self-Determination?

Many researchers have defined the concept of self-determination. This Web topic will use the definition developed by Martin and Huber Marshall (1995). They define self-determination as consisting of seven components:

Self-awareness is the ability to identify and understand one’s needs, interests, strengths, limitations, and values.

Self-advocacy refers to the ability to express one’s needs, wants, and rights in an assertive manner.

Self-efficacy is commonly referred to as self-confidence—the belief that one will attain a goal.

Decision-making is the complex skill of setting goals, planning actions, identifying information to make decisions, and choosing the best option to reach one’s goals.

Independent performance is the ability to start and complete tasks through self-management strategies.

Self-evaluation includes the ability to self-assess performance and determine when a goal or task has been satisfactorily completed.

Adjustment is the process of revising one’s goals and plans to improve performance or success.

Why is self-determination important for students with disabilities in postsecondary education?

Self-determination is a critical skill for success of students with disabilities in postsecondary education, because after high school graduation they are no longer entitled to the services detailed in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 2004. In the postsecondary setting, people with disabilities must disclose and describe their need for accommodations to the Office of Disability Services, which determines their eligibility for those accommodations. Students with disabilities may need to advocate for accommodations that are not readily offered. They may also need to explain their accommodations to others, such as professors or roommates.

The elements of self-determination described above are key to achieving goals. A student in a postsecondary setting must believe that he or she can be successful, make decisions, act independently, evaluate and modify performance in various situations as necessary, and adjust goals and plans to improve performance or success.

What is the relationship between self-determination and locus of control?

A critical factor related to self-determination is locus of control. Locus of control relates to the location—either external or internal—in which one places responsibility for events. When people operate with an external locus of control, they perceive limited control over what happens to them and believe that outside sources are responsible for the outcomes they experience. They do not see themselves as causal agents, but rather as passive recipients in the events of their lives. In other words, chance, fate, luck, and the actions of others—which are forces beyond their control—are perceived as the causal factors in their life experiences, rather than their own actions.

When individuals operate with an internal locus of control, they feel they have control over what happens to them, and they can readily see the relationship between their actions and the outcomes. They assume the role of causal agent in their own lives, rather than that of a passive recipient of the actions of others.

Internal locus of control is a necessary foundation for developing self-determination skills. People with a strong sense of internal locus of control can reflect on their strengths, limitations, and needs (self-awareness), learn to assert their needs and rights (self-advocacy), develop goals, and make decisions. They develop an awareness of outside forces and internal fears, both barriers to their goals that may limit success. With this awareness, they can take the necessary steps to minimize or eliminate these barriers.

What can educators and parents do to encourage self-determination among secondary school students?

Izzo and Lamb (2002) offer eight suggestions to shift the focus of education from fostering dependence to encouraging self-determined independence that results in positive postschool outcomes for students with disabilities:

Empower parents as partners in promoting self-determination and career development skills.

Increase students’ awareness of their disabilities and needed accommodations.

Offer credit-bearing classes in self-determination and careers.

Teach and reinforce students to develop an internal locus of control.

Teach and promote self-advocacy skills and support student application of those skills.

Infuse self-determination and career development skills into the general education curriculum.

Develop and implement work-based learning programs for all students.

What can students with disabilities in postsecondary settings do to increase self-determination skills?

Students with disabilities can work with both college disabilities counselors and vocational rehabilitation counselors to develop a plan to increase their self-determination skills. Frequently, community colleges offer freshmen career-planning classes. These classes can help students develop the independent-learning skills and personal responsibility that are necessary for success in postsecondary education.
Students with disabilities who work with counselors to resolve difficulties in learning or increase school success can renew a positive outlook and create a vision for success. Personal counselors can also help students develop realistic goals and action plans for a more successful college experience.
Students with disabilities who are contemplating higher education should also participate in their IEP planning meetings, making their needs and preferences heard, and practicing good communication and problem-solving skills with the adults on their team.